The Donkey and the King

Text: Matthew 21:2–7 (NIV)
"Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."?This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:?“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”?The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on."

Introduction: The Unexpected Entry
Jesus is preparing to enter Jerusalem—not with military force, not on a war horse, not accompanied by legions of soldiers. He chooses a donkey.
Why? What message is He sending by riding this humble creature? What does this act say about the nature of Jesus, and what does it teach us today?

1. The Donkey Signifies Fulfilled Prophecy
“This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet…” (v. 4–5)?Jesus' entry on a donkey is a direct fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9:?“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey…”
This wasn’t a random decision—it was part of God’s plan from long ago. Jesus was declaring, “I am the promised King”—but not in the way many expected.
Application: God always keeps His promises—even when they come in humble packages.

2. The Donkey Represents Humility and Peace
In ancient times, kings rode horses to war but donkeys to declare peace. Jesus came not to conquer Rome, but to conquer sin and death.
Philippians 2:6–8 – “…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
Jesus didn’t come to dominate, but to deliver. Not to crush His enemies, but to save them.
Application: Our Savior leads with humility. Do we reflect that same humility in how we lead, serve, and respond to others?


3. The Donkey Was Ordinary but Chosen
This animal wasn’t trained for royalty. It was just tied up in a village, waiting to be used. And yet, Jesus says:
“Tell them the Lord needs them.”
What a powerful truth: The King of glory needed a donkey.
God delights in using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. The donkey didn’t have to be impressive—it just had to be available.
1 Corinthians 1:27 – “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…”
Application: You may feel unqualified or overlooked. But if you are willing and available, God can use you powerfully for His glory.

4. The Donkey Carried Jesus
The donkey had one job: to carry Jesus into the city. It didn’t speak. It didn’t act impressive. It simply carried the presence of the King.
Application: What if our greatest calling is simply to carry Jesus into the places He sends us—to our workplaces, families, communities?
Let us be like that donkey—content to lift Jesus high, not ourselves.


5. The Donkey and the Cloaks: A Picture of Surrender
The disciples placed their cloaks on the donkey for Jesus to sit on (v. 7). Later, the crowds lay their cloaks on the road (v. 8). In that culture, cloaks represented status and identity. Laying them down was a gesture of submission and honor.
Application: Are we willing to lay down our identities, titles, and comforts to make a place for Jesus?

Conclusion: The King Still Rides In Humility
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a moment of quiet power. It’s a picture of the upside-down kingdom of God—where humility is exalted, the ordinary is chosen, and peace is the weapon.
So today:
• If you feel ordinary, remember the donkey.
• If you feel unseen, remember Jesus said, “The Lord needs it.”
• If you feel unqualified, know that God isn't looking for impressive—He's looking for available.
Let’s live lives that carry Christ. Let’s be donkeys for the King.

Closing Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the beauty of humility, the power of peace, and the value of obedience. Make us like the donkey—humble, willing, and ready to carry You wherever You lead. May our lives point to You, not ourselves. In Your name we pray, Amen.”